A recent invitation found Grant and I staying overnight at Lanzerac Wine Estate, in Stellenbosch. I was excited about the prospect, as I have not been to the estate in quite some time. I also relished the idea of spending a night in one the newly renovated, 5 Star Lanzerac Hotel Suites, which I will gush about in a separate article.
Lanzerac Wine Estate
Lanzerac Wine Estate is steeped in history, dating back to 1692. The 320-year-old Lanzerac Wine Estate is a celebration of classic old-world charm and rich Cape heritage. It is also home to the world’s first bottled Pinotage. The estate also boasts the five-star Lanzerac Hotel and Spa, a deli and the Manor Kitchen.
This picturesque wine estate, at the foot of the majestic Jonkershoek Mountains, in the Stellenbosch Winelands, is less than an hours’ drive from Cape Town. Making it the perfect distance from the city, for either a day trip to do wine tasting and lunch or a romantic weekend getaway. It is also only five minutes from the historic town of Stellenbosch and on the Stellenbosch Wine Route.
Wine Tasting
The Lanzerac Tasting Room is a wonderful mix of vintage charm and chic modern style. It is awash with natural light and rich textures, creating a space which is inviting and warm.
You can enjoy your tasting inside, next to the cosy fireplace or on the verandah overlooking the vineyards, with breathtaking views of the valley. The Tasting Room is open seven days a week and offers visitors a selection of informative tastings for 1 to 80 guests.
Tasting Options
Heritage Tasting – Taste Lanzerac’s Heritage Range, a collection of 3 flagship wines and the MCC Blanc de Blancs Brut R 150 pp.
Wine & Chocolate Tasting – Taste the 5 Premium wines, paired with five selected chocolates R 110 pp.
Premium Tasting – Taste 5 wines from the Premium Range: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon R65 pp.
Alma Mater Tasting – Taste the 3 Alma Mater wines: Chenin Blanc, Rosé, Shiraz R45 pp.
The Wines
Grant and I were fortunate enough to be treated to our personalised tasting, with Zelda, who to our delight was incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about wine. Our tasting, among other wines, included the delicious MCC Blanc de Blancs Brut and 2014 Mrs English.
One of the things I did not realise about Lanzerac, is their Pinotage history. As I mentioned above, one of their main claims to fame is of being home to the world’s first bottled Pinotage. Who, knew?! Lanzerac Pinotage is also a multi-award-winning wine. The most recent accolades received are the JF Hillebrand Trophy for the best Pinotage, the Michelangelo International Wine Awards (2015), as well as a 4 Stars Platter’s Wine Guide (2016) rating.
White Wine
As you know by now, I prefer red to white wine, but I am always willing to taste both! I am often pleasantly surprised when I try a wine I would usually not drink, and I end up enjoying it! In this case, I was most surprised at how much I enjoyed the Lanzerac 2014 Mrs English, which is a limited selection of the finest Chardonnay barrels of the particular year. The 2014 vintage is a wonderfully complex wine, with hints of citrus and a lingering full-mouth feel. Grant and I also really enjoyed the 2014 Chardonnay, which is the estate’s first wine of origin, of the Jonkershoek Valley. This wine is equally as complex in flavour as the Mrs English, with hints of citrus, ginger and vanilla, and a beautifully smooth finish.
Red Wine
Among the reds we tasted, the Premium 2013 Pinotage was my favourite. The Pinotage is matured in a selection of new, 2nd and 3rd fill, French oak barrels, for at least 15 months. The wine is still relatively young and will do well to mature in the bottle, for five to eight years. Saying that we opened a bottle the other night and I really enjoyed it. The flavours are complex and fruity, as well as being incredibly smooth, even though it is a young wine. This wine pairs particularly well with a charcuterie and cheese board, especially strong hard cheeses.
We also had the opportunity of tasting two of the chocolates included in the Chocolate and Wine Tasting. The Dark Cherry Cigar chocolate, which is paired with the Premium Merlot and the Cape Malay Spice chocolate, which is paired with the Premium Cabernet Sauvignon. Although I loved both, my favourite pairing was the Cape Malay Spice and Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a flavour combination reminiscent of Christmas cake.
Lanzerac Wine Club
The Lanzerac Wine Club members are rewarded with generous discounts, fine wines and invitations to exclusive events. They also offer delivery anywhere in South Africa within 48 – 96 hours.
Tasting Room Details & Location
Operating Hours
1 SEPTEMBER – 30 APRIL: Monday – Saturday: 09h00 – 17h30 (tastings); 09h00 – 18h00 (sales), Sunday & Public Holidays: 09h00 – 16h30 (tastings); 09h00 – 17h00 (sales). 1 MAY – 31 AUGUST: Monday – Sunday: 09h00 – 17h00, Public Holidays: 09h00 – 17h00.
Reservations are essential for groups larger than ten guests please Contact: via email or telephone 021 886 5641
Tasting Room Services
Cellar Tours are available daily at 11h00 and are complimentary with tastings. Light lunches & Platters are also available from the Deli to enjoy with your tasting.
Location – No. 1 Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
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Please note that wine tasting was enjoyed as guests of Lanzerac Wine Estate. All opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
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